Last time I was at jury duty, I used a wooden cane..back then.

I was rejected for every trial over a two day period. Defense did not like people with canes...I was stared at quite a bit. I was not old then either.

I can leave the pole behind, when in buildings. It is the long trek in and out to large parking lots, or stairs, I need it. I don't use it 100% all the time. If I find a cart in a mall lot, I use that instead.
Climbing hills, or walking on uncertain unlevel terrain, like our paths upNorth, the pole is a necessity.

I really could care less what other people think anymore. I just have to get thru my day safely without another fall. Hubby likes the poles better, he says I look Cosmopolitan etc... whatever that means! LOL